“Branksome students had a great day, with impressive results!’’ said French teacher Nicole Hallett, reacting to our students’ performance at the recent Concours d’art oratoire. The annual French public-speaking competition is for students from Grades 4 through 12 studying French as a second language in Ontario schools.

Our students participated in various categories, with three placing. Felicity (Grade 7 Extended French) competed in the highly-competitive Grade 7-8 Immersion category and finished in second place. Bella (Grade 8 Extended French), placed first in Grade 7-8 Extended and Jacqueline (Grade 11 Extended French) placed first in her category.

"The Concours d'Art Oratoire was a very good experience for me. It helped me to learn more about the process of speech writing and public speaking,” said Jacqueline after the competition.

Jacqueline and Bella move on to the provincial level, taking part in the 34th annual Concours et festival d’art oratoire, May 5 at York University’s Glendon Campus in Toronto. “It's my first time making it to the provincials and I'm very excited for it!" added Jacqueline